AGARTALA, March 24 (TIWN): Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Thursday celebrated Holi festival at Akhaura Check post in Tripura with gusto.

BSF personnel smeared colour on each other faces and enjoyed the festival with dance and colourful pageantry.

BSF high official said they want to spread the message of love through Holi celebrations.

"It's a festival of colours and love and BSF's slogan is also that we should spread love. We are also teaching our countrymen to love, the way we are defending our borders. We are also trying to convey the message that our borders are secure and our countrymen are safe. People should celebrate Holi without any apprehension and they should have faith that BSF is defending their borders and hence they are safe," said the BSF troopers.

Meanwhile, the security personnel enjoyed the festival with BGB located at the border.

"We enjoyed a lot. We are feeling very good. We played with BSF and we are feeling very nice and it was a grand welcome for us," said a BGB at the check post.

As a goodwill gesture, on the occasion of Holi, troops of paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) stationed along the India-Bangladesh border at Akhaura exchanged sweets with their Bangladeshi counterpart.

Hundreds of officers and jawans attended the event that comprised of colours fun and enjoyment. For some time, the officers and jawans forgot that they are posted away from home. Such was the fervour and enthusiasm that officers couldn't be differentiated from jawans.

The high official also distributed sweets and colours to the personnel and wished their families well," an official said.

BSF high official gave sweet boxes to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official while greeting them on the occasion of Holi celebrated across the nation on Thursday. The gesture was equally reciprocated by BGB officials and jawans.  To enhance bilateral relations the exchange of sweets between India and Bangladesh along the border in Tripura border is an old and traditional gesture to show goodwill between the two nations and has been in practice for many years now. BSF and BGB exchange sweets and greetings on several occasions including Diwali, Eid, Holi, Independence Day and Republic Day.

Holi is one of India’s grandest and most popular celebrations. This large festival is celebrated in many cities and rural areas throughout India. The Holi festival traditionally celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is associated with many legends, including the story of Holika. Many people in India believe that this holiday shows that the devotion of Hindu people can augment the power of Lord Vishnu. This celebration also honors Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. In addition to its religious aspects, Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Holi is also known as the Festival of Colors.